Gutters are very important part of a house. You need to take care of them. During winter, they get frozen. which can be a very big problem for the house. They keep water away from the house, and when they are frozen, problems arise. It is important to take steps to keep your gutter from freezing. This guide will tell you all about how to keep gutters from freezing.
Methods To Follow on How To Keep Gutters from Freezing
Following are some effective ways to keep gutters from freezing:
· Keep Sewers Clean
One of the primary reasons drains freezes is due to debris accumulation, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. If these materials are left unchecked, they can freeze and create blockages, preventing water from flowing through the sewers. To prevent this, make sure to clean your drains regularly, especially during the fall season when leaves are abundant.
· Install Sewer Guards
Drain guards are an effective way to keep debris out of your sewers. These guards prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the drains, ensuring that liquid can flow freely through the system. There are many types of sewer guards available, including screens, mesh, and foam guards. Choose the one that suits your needs best.
· Insulate Your Attic
A poorly insulated attic can cause heat to escape, which can melt the snow on your roof, leading to ice dams. When the liquid from the melted snow freezes, it can create blockages in the gutters. To prevent this, make sure the proper insulation of your attic. This will help keep heat inside the house and prevent snow from melting on the roof.
· Use Heat Tape
Heat tape is a product that can be installed along the edge of the roof and in the gutters to prevent freezing. The tape heats up and melts any ice that forms, allowing liquid to flow through the gutters. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing heat tape to ensure it is effective.
· Adjust Downspouts
Downspouts are responsible for directing water away from the house. If the angle of downspouts is not correct, the water can freeze inside the gutters. To prevent this, adjust the downspouts so that they are angled away from the house and toward a drain or an area where water can flow freely.
· Install a Sewer Heating System
A drain heating system is a more permanent solution to prevent sewers from freezing. This system involves installing heating cables along the drains and the downspouts. The cables melt any ice that forms, allowing water to flow freely through the system. This solution is more expensive than other options but can be more effective in areas where freezing is a common occurrence. You can install the sewer heating system when you are installing the gutter guards.
Conclusion
Preventing sewers from freezing is essential to avoid damage to your home or building’s foundation. By keeping drains clean, installing sewer guards, insulating your attic, using heat tape, adjusting downspouts, or installing a drain heating system, you can ensure that water flows freely through the gutters, preventing ice dams and other issues. Consider consulting a professional if you are unsure about which option is best for your home or building. You may also consider installing vinyl gutters which will give you more protection.